With a brutal heat wave sweeping Ontario, PC Leader Patrick Brown called for a maximum temperature policy in schools to be implemented.

“Humidex levels have been approaching the 40s this week. Our schools don’t have the proper infrastructure or air conditioning. Students are saying it is so hot in classrooms, they are having trouble breathing,” charged Brown in Question Period. “This is unacceptable. That’s why we are calling for the premier to mandate a maximum temperature for Ontario schools in the event of extreme heat.”

Since being elected Leader, Brown has consistently raised the issue of dilapidated infrastructure in Ontario schools. Within the Toronto District School Board there are 584 schools, yet only 125 have air conditioning.

“Heat warnings have swept the region. Yet classrooms don’t have air conditioning, and windows don’t open. How has Kathleen Wynne allowed for this crumbling infrastructure in Ontario schools? How does she expect students to learn in sweltering classrooms?”

Nuit Blanche Toronto returns this weekend for the annual all-night celebration of contemporary art beginning at sunset at 6:58 p.m. on Saturday, September 30 to sunrise on Sunday, October 1. For the best experience at the event, the public is encouraged to plan ahead. Information on getting to, around and home from the event is available at http://nbto.com/ as well as in this news release.

Planning aheadThe website http://nbto.com/ offers an interactive event map and detailed event information, including exhibition locations and project descriptions, making it easy for members of the public to plan their night out. A printed event map is available for pickup from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the main lobby at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

Mobile guide and navigating the nightA streamlined version of the website is available on mobile devices to help the public navigate during the night using GPS to find the closest projects. Projects can be found and viewed by location, artist, project or venue. Additional information about the optimized mobile website can be found at https://nbto.com/footer/nuit-mobile.html. Event updates will also be available on Twitter @nuitblancheTO, #nbTO17 throughout the night.

Exhibition locationsFour exhibition areas transform the city from dusk to dawn:- "Taking to the Streets" at Queen's Park and University of Toronto- "Calculating Upon the Unforeseen" along Dundas Street from the Art Gallery of Ontario to Yonge-Dundas Square- "Life on Neebahgeezis; A Luminous Engagement" on Bay Street between Queen Street and King Street, and- "Monument to the Century of Revolutions" at Nathan Phillips Square.

Dawn art experience – 4 to 7 a.m. October 1For those who are more of an early bird than a night owl, an introspective art encounter awaits. Art enthusiasts looking to experience the art in a contemplative way while avoiding the crowds can do so between 4 and 7 a.m. on October 1.

Special TTC servicesIn addition to the regular all-night Blue Night Network service, the TTC is extending all-night subway service on Lines 1 and 2. The Line 1 Yonge-University-Spadina Subway will run all night from Downsview to Finch. Line 2 Bloor-Danforth Subway will run all night from Kipling to Kennedy. The 501 Queen Streetcar will be diverted onto King Street between Spadina Avenue and Church Street. Free, all-night parking is available at TTC commuter parking lots. Day Pass/Group Day Passes and e-tickets purchased for use on September 30 will be extended to 7 a.m. on October 1. The September Metropass will be accepted until 7 a.m. on October 1. More information is available at http://www.ttc.ca/.

Special GO Transit servicesIn addition to regular service on Saturday and Sunday on the Lakeshore lines, two special homebound train trips will run in the early hours of October 1. For Hamilton customers, there will be connections to bus Route 18 for the special trains at Aldershot. On the Barrie line, there will be a special homebound trip in the early hours of October 1. Special service will run along the Milton, Kitchener and Stouffville lines, with one Toronto-bound trip in the early evening of September 30 and one homebound trip in the early hours of October 1.Kitchener line service will run between Georgetown GO and Union, with bus connections to Kitchener, Guelph and Acton. Schedules are available at http://www.gotransit.com.

Toronto Parking AuthorityA list of Green P parking lots located closest to Nuit Blanche Toronto activities is available at http://parking.greenp.com.

Road closuresPartial and full road closures will be in effect due to expected event attendance and to improve free-flowing access to the art projects, giving pedestrians safe and easy access. As a result, portions of the following streets will be closed to vehicles:

- Queen's Park Crescent between College Street and Bloor Street West starting at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, September 30 until 8:30 a.m. Sunday, October 1- Queen Street West between Yonge Street and University Avenue starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, September 30 until 8 a.m. Sunday, October 1- Bay Street between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West from 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 30 until 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 1, and between Queen Street West and Front Street West from 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 30 until 10 a.m. on Sunday, October 1

Full details about the road closures are available at http://www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/hKIg30fr0LD

About Nuit Blanche Toronto Nuit Blanche Toronto is the city's annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community, and funded by the Government of Ontario and Tourism Toronto. Since 2006, this award-winning event has featured almost 1,400 art installations by approximately 4,900 artists and has generated over $311 million in economic impact for Toronto. Information and updates are available at http://www.nbto.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/nuitblancheTO, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nuitblancheTO, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/nuitblancheTO/. The event hashtag is #nbTO17.

Mayor John Tory to participate in launch of employment event Wednesday to fill 300+ positions at Yorkdale Shopping Centre

Mayor John Tory will be at Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre on Wednesday, September 27 to help launch an employment event to fill more than 300 retail positions ahead of the holiday season. This will be the largest Yorkdale hiring event to date, with more than 35 participating retailers.

The employment event is part of an ongoing partnership between Yorkdale and the City of Toronto that has helped fill more than 1,500 retail positions since it launched in 2012. Through this partnership, the City’s Toronto Employment & Social Services (TESS) and its Employment Ontario partner agencies identify and match qualified candidates to available opportunities. The candidates are coached and provided with resumé and interview support prior to the recruitment event.

Mayor Tory, Yorkdale Senior Property Manager Ryan DaSilva and Oxford Properties Executive Vice President Michael Turner will greet participants and launch the fair and the City of Toronto’s Workplace Development Month as part of the City’s commitment to connecting employers and job seekers across Toronto. Oxford Properties manages Yorkdale.

Retailers are looking to fill part-time and full-time permanent and seasonal positions. Interested job-seekers can visit http://www.yorkdale.com/jobs for more information about employment opportunities.

To register for the morning portion of the event, prospective candidates should phone 416-392-6949. The event is only open to the general public after 1 p.m. Candidates should arrive professionally dressed and have a hard copy of their resumé.

Mayor Tory along with DaSilva and Turner will welcome participants starting at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Employment fair hours for registered and invited candidates only will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Members of the general public are welcome from 1 to 4 p.m.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre is located at 3401 Dufferin St. in Toronto. The event will be held in the West Expansion space (near the Harry Rosen store).

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/JSfq30fpKrt

City of Toronto Paves the Way for a Greener Fleet with New Electric Vehicles

September 25, 2017

City of Toronto paves the way for a greener fleet with new electric vehicles

Following the delivery of two 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EVs, the City of Toronto has become one of the first governments in Canada to include level three electric vehicles in its fleet.

The vehicles were purchased as part of the City of Toronto's Consolidated Green Fleet Plan. A progress report on the plan was considered by the City's Government Management Committee today. The progress report is available at: http://ow.ly/aNLW30flVGI.

The Chevrolet Bolt EV has a 380 km driving range and DC fast-charging capabilities that allow the vehicle to reach a full charge in 45 minutes. This marks a significant improvement from the City's level 2 electric vehicles, which have a driving range of approximately 100 km and require approximately eight hours to reach a full battery charge.

The City currently has 2,091 green vehicles and pieces of equipment in its fleet, representing 24 per cent of the total number of vehicles in the City’s fleet. This includes electric, hybrid, fuel-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles, as well as conventional vehicles with fuel-conserving technologies.

The goal of the City of Toronto's Consolidated Green Fleet Plan is to choose vehicles, equipment, fuels and practices that:• consume less fuel and emit less greenhouses gases and air pollution• meet the City’s operational requirements• are sustainable, and• are economically viable.

More information on the Green Fleet Plan is available at: http://bit.ly/2wyqVMG.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/ccUX30fpiCh.

The City of Toronto issued this news release through Canada News Wire early this morning (Saturday).

September 23, 2017

Heat Warning issued for Toronto

Based on information from Environment Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has issued a Heat Warning for Toronto today. The Heat Warning will be in effect until further notice.

During a Heat Warning, members of the public are encouraged to visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Other groups at risk include people with chronic illnesses, individuals with limited mobility or certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications and those who are homeless.

People are encouraged to cool off in air-conditioned places such as shopping malls, local libraries and community centres in neighbourhoods throughout Toronto. For the homeless and under-housed, there are also 50 drop-in centres that are available seven days a week, operating at various hours.

The following seven locations offer an air-conditioned place to rest indoors and receive a cool drink and light snack. During the week, the community and civic centers are open until 7 p.m.; during the weekend, civic centres are only open until 6 p.m. while community centres are open until 7 p.m. Over the weekend, staff who are trained to assist residents affected by the extreme heat are on hand at the seven locations:

Cots are provided for visitors who feel ill from the heat. More information is available at http://bitly.com/1iWlzIP.

Members of the public are advised to beat the heat by taking these precautions:• Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty. • Go to air-conditioned places such as shopping malls, local libraries and community centres. • Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down. • Wear loose, light-coloured, breathable clothing and, when outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat. • Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella. • Reschedule or plan outdoor activities so they take place during cooler parts of the day. • Make sure that elderly people, children or pets are not left unattended in a car.

Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for vulnerable residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check on those clients who are at increased risk of heat-related illness during warnings.

When a warning is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call 311.

More information about how to beat the heat is available at http://bitly.com/1ks3FTv.

Air pollution often increases during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, seniors and parents/guardians of young children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at http://bitly.com/1neJmrP.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at http://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/fJve30fnd4n

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Mayor John Tory, joined by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon (Ward 32 Beaches-East York), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee, Councillor Mary Fragedakis (Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth), Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) and representatives from partners Evergreen and the Trans Canada Trail, reopened the Lower Don Trail this morning as part of Ravine Days, a weekend-long celebration of Toronto's unique ravine network."For many Torontonians this trail is a cherished escape and a chance to experience nature in the heart of the city," said Mayor Tory. "I'm delighted to see the improvements we've made and I'm proud of the innovative partnerships that have made it possible."The reopened trail includes:a new trail bridge over the Don River at Pottery Roada wider, safer trail tunnel under the currently inactive Metrolinx rail line at the Belleville underpassnew art installations in the Lower Don Parklands, in partnership with Evergreena connection to the Bayview multi-use trail, including a connection to the Brick Works. The City also launched the Parks and Trails Wayfinding Pilot today, with new signage along the trail.Ravines define Toronto's landscape. Over 17 per cent of Toronto's total area is ravine land and 87 per cent of Toronto's Environmentally Significant Areas are found in ravines. Ravine Days coincide with the presentation of the Ravine Strategy to City Council's Executive Committee for approval on September 26 and subsequently to City Council on October 2 to 4. The final strategy, centred around five themes: Protect, Invest, Connect, Partner and Celebrate, will build on the draft principles that were released for public feedback in June 2016. More Ravine Days activities are listed at http://www.toronto.ca/ravines.Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto is honouring Canada's 150th birthday with "TO Canada with Love," a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto.SOURCE City of TorontoFor further information:Media contact: Parks, Forestry and Recreation Media Line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca

Update: One lane will remain open during construction on Allen Road off-ramp beginning September 25

The Allen Road southbound off-ramp at Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto will be reduced to one lane each night from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. beginning Monday, September 25 and extending until Sunday, October 1 to allow for ramp-widening work, weather permitting. The widened ramp will open fully at 5 a.m. on October 1.

To help manage traffic in the area, enhanced signage will inform drivers of the road closures and signal-timing changes are being made on parallel routes. Road users, however, should still expect delays and increased traffic on nearby roads.

The City of Toronto has a web-based map to help residents and visitors make their travel plans, available at http://www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions. Information about the City's planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

This work is part of the City's comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy to rehabilitate and upgrade Toronto's roads, transit and underground infrastructure for current and future needs.

This news release is also available on the City's website: ow.ly/zmfy30fmA7F.

The event will begin with a bike ride from Evergreen Brick Works to the Pottery Road Trail Bridge and will include food, games, music and activities at locations along the trail including the Cloverleaf, Riverdale Park East and Corktown Common.

More Ravine Days activities are listed at http://www.toronto.ca/ravines.

To help residents cool down in the unseasonably warm temperatures this weekend, the City of Toronto will be keeping the majority of its 93 splash pads open through to Monday, September 25.

"I'd like to thank City staff who worked quickly to ensure that as many splash pads as possible could stay open this weekend to take advantage of the great weather," said Mayor John Tory. "This is a fantastic way to keep soaking up the summer and I'm glad we're able to give residents a chance to continue to enjoy most of the City's splash pads."

Some splash pads have already been closed for the winter as part of normal operations. The City will delay further closure activity until Monday, and the majority will remain open for the weekend. Some splash pads have had their electrical timers shut off, and staff will reset timers Friday morning to ensure they are functioning for the weekend. Residents can visit http://toronto.ca/swim to see which splash pads will remain open this weekend.

Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and are activated through push-button features. Caregivers are reminded to supervise their children at these unsupervised water play areas.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/JQ4J30fl4mK

The Allen Road southbound off-ramp at Lawrence Avenue West in Toronto will be closed each night from 9 p.m. until 5 a.m. beginning Monday, September 25 and extending until Sunday, October 1 to allow for ramp-widening work, weather permitting. The widened ramp will open fully at 5 a.m. on October 1.

To help manage traffic in the area, enhanced signage will inform drivers of the road closures and signal-timing changes are being made on parallel routes. Road users, however, should still expect delays and increased traffic on nearby roads.

The City of Toronto has a web-based map to help residents and visitors make their travel plans, available at http://www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions. Information about the City's planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

This work is part of the City's comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy to rehabilitate and upgrade Toronto's roads, transit and underground infrastructure for current and future needs.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/h0Wu30fkyO4

The City of Toronto's Ombudsman today released the reports of three Enquiries into complaints about City services.

Ombudsman Susan Opler says these three Enquiries looked into different aspects of City operations: parking ticket disputes, noise complaints and notifications of zoning variance requests. “While they were about different issues,” says Opler, “the complaints all had one thing in common. City staff gave people inaccurate or confusing information, or no information at all.”

The City's Ombudsman says she has found poor communication to be a re-occurring problem in her first year on the job. “When it happens, staff not only make the original problem worse; they also increase people's level of frustration.”

The three Enquiry Reports released today are about complaints from:

an out-of-province motorist who was told he couldn’t fight a parking ticket in court;a resident whose noise complaint got lost; anda homeowner who was not notified when his neighbour applied for a zoning variance. An Enquiry by Ombudsman Toronto is an informal, flexible method of looking into a complaint or concern. Sometimes, when the Enquiry results in recommendations for improving City services, Ombudsman Toronto publishes an Enquiry Report.

“Conducting Enquiries is a big part of what we do,” says Opler. ”Enquiry Reports allow us to be nimble, effective, transparent and accountable, without the need to always conduct a formal Investigation or issue an Investigation Report. Our Enquiries can make big and small changes to City systems that have a real and lasting impact for people who access City services.”

Enquiry Reports are routinely released on Ombudsman Toronto’s website. They are tabled at City Council when the Enquiry is of general public interest or if a Councillor requests it. Reports of Ombudsman Toronto's more formal, complex and systemic Investigations continue to be tabled at City Council as a matter of course.

The three reports: Enquiry into the City’s Process for Out-Of-Province License Plate Owners to Challenge Parking Tickets, Enquiry into a Noise Complaint to MLS and Enquiry into a Complaint about Committee of Adjustment Notice Procedures. Copies are also available on request.

Ombudsman Toronto listens to and investigates people’s complaints and concerns about City administration and the fairness of City services. We are a free and impartial office that operates independently from the City, holding it accountable to the people it serves.

A new exhibit at the City of Toronto Archives called Wide Open World:A Celebration of the Suburbs in Toronto opens to the public today.

"This remarkable collection of photographs conveys a strong sense of what life in Toronto's suburbs has meant to so many people," said City Archivist Carol Radford-Grant. "Wide Open World shows residents making new friends in brand new spaces to create and experience community. People coming together to work, to play and to live."

Wide Open World illustrates life in the post-war suburbs in Toronto from the 1950s to the 1980s and includes numerous photographs that have never been displayed at the Archives previously. The exhibit features work from official City photographers, as well as freelancers and amateurs who documented people raising families, building communities, working and celebrating together in the former suburban neighbourhoods of Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough. The exhibit runs through August 2018 at the City of Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Rd. Admission is free.

For more information about this exhibit, visit http://www.toronto.ca/archives

To see videos from the curator explaining Wide Open World, visit http://www.youtube.com/thecityoftoronto

Follow the City of Toronto Archives on Twitter, http://www.twitter.com/torontoarchives

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/NqQ230fkdcd

The City of Toronto's My City My Six project is now showcasing 150 six-word stories from Toronto residents on the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square until spring 2018.

"What better place to display short, six-word stories about our city than right on the Toronto Sign," said Mayor John Tory. "The My City My Six project helps us all see our city in different ways and better appreciate the experiences of our fellow residents."

My City My Six received more than 4,200 submissions from which 150 were chosen by a diverse jury that included Toronto Poet Laureate Anne Michaels. The public can also see these 150 juried selections at an exhibition in the City Hall Rotunda from September 25 to 28 and are invited to an exhibit celebration at City Hall on September 27 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Some of these stories are also being shown on billboards, TTC displays and at exhibitions across the city. Hundreds of additional My City My Six works are being featured in partnership with the City's six Local Arts Services Organizations (LASOs) and businesses through September and October. These exhibits reflect Toronto's diverse neighbourhoods.

Erected in July 2015, the interactive Toronto Sign serves as a unique point of interest for residents and visitors. The hashtag #MyCityMySix will be displayed on the base of the sign to encourage visitors to share and engage with the public art project on social media.

Earlier this year, the My City My Six project asked residents to share something essential about themselves in six words in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. More information on the My City My Six project and exhibits is available at http://www.toronto.ca/mycitymysix.

My City My Six is part of the City's annual Cultural Hotspot initiative and the TO Canada with Love program. It is produced by the City in collaboration with the City's six LASO's: Arts Etobicoke, East End Arts, Lakeshore Arts, North York Arts, Scarborough Arts and UrbanArts.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/hSmS30fk73s.

City of Toronto welcomes returning and new corporate and government partners for Nuit Blanche Toronto's 12th edition

The City of Toronto-produced Nuit Blanche Toronto returns on Saturday, September 30. While the lineup of art projects, artists and curators is the focus of Nuit Blanche Toronto each year, the outstanding network of funders, partners and collaborators is the foundation that makes the event possible.

The 2017 event is supported by the Government of Ontario and Tourism Toronto, program sponsors H&M and Shiplake Properties, on-site sponsors Hendrick's Gin, Netflix and Subaru Canada as well as arts patron sponsor, Toronto Real Estate Board.

"For the past 11 years as we have experienced the magic of Nuit Blanche Toronto, the production of this unique event and its continued success has been achieved thanks to many private and public partnerships," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee. "The commitment of returning sponsors such as H&M and Shiplake Properties allows talented artists to showcase their work during this year's event to Toronto residents and visitors alike."

This year, Nuit Blanche Toronto furthers its position as one of North America's premier cultural events, as it is expected to attract more than one million local enthusiasts and out-of-town visitors. In 2016, the event generated an economic impact of $43 million for Toronto.

“The success of Nuit Blanche Toronto is one of the reasons why our government continues to support major cultural events in the province,” said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Festivals and events play a vital role in Ontario’s economic and cultural prosperity, which is especially important as we celebrate Ontario’s 150th anniversary year.”

This year's all-night celebration of contemporary art is made up of four distinct City-produced exhibitions curated under the event-wide theme, "Many Possible Futures." Ninety art projects, including 39 Exhibition Projects, 39 partner-produced Independent Projects, 10 Major Institutions Projects and two sponsor-produced Special Projects from H&M and Shiplake Properties, will be featured at the event.

H&M presents "TRUTH," a project from contemporary graffiti artist, Brian Leitch aka "KWEST." Using recycled clothing and textiles from H&M’s garment collecting initiative, TRUTH reinterprets discarded garments transforming them into a work of art. The project argues the potential of something or someone that might otherwise be rejected or thrown away. It invites participants to consider the word and go on an experiential quest to discover their own personal truths from the moment they enter the project.

“We are thrilled to support Nuit Blanche Toronto for the fifth year and are so excited to be able to highlight H&M’s garment collecting initiative in such a cool way. TRUTH reimagines unwanted textiles, explores ideas of truth and consciousness, and invites viewers to reflect," said Samara D’Auria, Communications and Press, H&M Canada. "As a brand, H&M promotes diversity and inclusiveness and we are proud to be part of an event that provides public access to contemporary art on such a large scale.”

Shiplake Properties, a third-year Program Sponsor of the event offers "Extracurricular Activity Projective Reconstruction #1 (A Domestic Scene)" from artist Mike Kelley. A photo found in a high school yearbook, a still from a school play depicting two young men in a shabby apartment, inspires the re-staged 'Domestic Scene', the protagonists' unnerving, histrionic, relationship.

The City of Toronto extends its thanks to transportation partner Toronto Transit Commission for accommodating the Nuit Blanche Toronto audiences with all-night and increased service to and from the event. Thanks to the event's media sponsors City, OMNI, Toronto Star and Boom 97.3 for their ongoing promotion of the event. Nuit Blanche would not be possible without the on-the-ground efforts of more than 1,000 volunteers who donate their time each year.

Pride Toronto, in collaboration with Nuit Blanche Toronto, is hosting a "DRAG + PARTY!" event kicking-off the Nuit Blanche Toronto weekend on September 29. The ticketed event celebrates the intersection of art and queer culture and features cutting-edge contemporary culture from Nuit Blanche Toronto.

About Nuit Blanche Toronto Nuit Blanche Toronto is the city's annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community and funded by the Government of Ontario and Tourism Toronto. Since 2006, this award-winning event has featured almost 1,400 art installations by approximately 4,900 artists and has generated over $311 million in economic impact for Toronto. Information and updates are available at http://www.nbto.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/nuitblancheTO, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nuitblancheTO and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/nuitblancheTO/. The event hashtag is #nbTO17.

This news release is also available on the City of Toronto website at http://ow.ly/k5UP30fjhUP.

Celebrate Toronto's Ravine Network with Ravine Days on September 23 and 24

September 19, 2017

Celebrate Toronto's ravine network with Ravine Days on September 23 and 24

Residents and visitors are invited to celebrate and enjoy Toronto's beautiful ravine network during Ravine Days, a weekend of events September 23 and 24.

"Ravines are an essential part of our city's green infrastructure," said Mayor John Tory. "I encourage everyone to come out to Ravine Days and celebrate Toronto's beautiful and unique green spaces."

Featured events include:• the launch of Evergreen's Don River Valley Park Art Program in the Lower Don Trail• the reopening of the Lower Don Trail• Harvest Day at the Toronto Botanical Garden• Harvest Festival at Todmorden Mills

Ravine Days will coincide with the presentation of the Ravine Strategy to City Council's Executive Committee for approval on September 26 and subsequently to City Council on October 2 to 4. The final strategy will build on the draft principles that were released for public feedback in June 2016 and will provide a framework for collaboration between City divisions and agencies.

Ravines define Toronto's landscape. Over 17 per cent of Toronto's total area is ravine land and 87 per cent of Toronto's Environmentally Significant Areas are found in ravines. Ravine Days is an opportunity to highlight events and leisure opportunities offered by organizations throughout the ravine network, including Todmorden Mills, Toronto Botanical Garden, Evergreen Brick Works and others. Ravine Days also includes the reopening of the Lower Don Trail, new art installations in the Lower Don Parklands and the installation of the Toronto Parks and Trails Wayfinding pilot.

Ravine Days activities are listed at http://www.toronto.ca/ravines.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/WVs430fgy4N.

The On Common Ground festival, from September 15 to 17, will highlight and celebrate Canada's cultural diversity through performance, citizenship ceremonies, art installations and interactive workshops. Admission is free and events are appropriate for all ages. On Common Ground is part of the City's TO Canada with Love Canada 150 program.

"This festival shows how our diversity is the common element that binds us as Torontonians and as Canadians," said Mayor John Tory. "Our desire to share in the experiences and talents we all have to offer will help create stronger ties between us."

“This year, Canadians across the country are coming together to celebrate the many things that make our communities unique," said Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "Activities like the On Common Ground festival, organized as part of Canada 150 and TO Canada with Love, provide exciting activities for the whole family to engage with the rich cultural diversity that is at the heart of who we are as Canadians.”

“As we mark our 150th anniversary, I’m reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a province that is so incredibly diverse, inclusive and culturally rich,” said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “With support from our Ontario150 program, the On Common Ground Festival provides a celebratory platform to welcome new citizens, express our uniqueness and learn from and about each other – this is truly what makes our province such a great place to live.”

The festival, open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Sunday to 6 p.m.), will feature the world premiere of Miigis by Red Sky Performance on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. Melding contemporary Indigenous dance and live music, Miigis explores the catalysts, trade routes and stories of a journey from the Atlantic Coast to the Great Lakes, and the seven prophecies marked by Miigis. On Sunday, there will be a Miigis-inspired live music performance.

On Common Ground will also have unique opportunities to experience a community citizenship ceremony on Friday and to be part of reaffirmation ceremonies on Saturday and Sunday. These events will be hosted by Fort York and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship.

Additional programming highlights include a PEACES Artisan Market and the MomenTO Pop-up Museum. The full event schedule is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/oncommonground.The Bentway – a new and innovative public space that will activate the area underneath Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway from Strachan Avenue to Bathurst Street with events, performances and more – will kick off its programming by presenting a number of events and interactive workshops at the festival, including the creation of a large-scale mural. More information on those events is available at: http://www.thebentway.ca/join-us-common-ground/.

On Common Ground is produced in partnership with the Province of Ontario’s Ontario150 Program and the Government of Canada. Red Sky Performance's Miigis is co-commissioned by Fort York National Historic Site, City of Toronto, and the Bentway Conservancy, with the support of Canadian Heritage.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/2wv930fbraE.

City of Toronto Invites Residents to Share Their Views on Possible Changes to the Holiday Shopping Bylaw

September 15, 2017

City of Toronto invites residents to share their views on possible changes to the Holiday Shopping Bylaw

The City of Toronto is reviewing the bylaw that governs holiday shopping and the impact of allowing grocery stores and other retailers that sell prepared meals to be open on public holidays.

Toronto's Holiday Shopping Bylaw states that most retail stores, including grocery stores, close on public holidays. There are some exceptions to the bylaw, including restaurants. Over time, grocery stores have changed their business models and now sell some food that is similar to restaurant fare, such as prepared and ready-to-eat meals.

A public consultation meeting is being held to provide the public an opportunity to speak with staff and provide feedback. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge St., rooms Gold A and B.

The bylaw, which regulates the types of retail establishments that can be open on public holidays and specifies the types of services that can be provided, generally requires retail businesses to be closed on nine public holidays.

Those holidays are New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

More information about the review is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/mlshaveyoursay.

Staff expect to report the consultation findings to the City's Licensing and Standards Committee on October 20.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/KWWo30fbdEJ.

Toronto Fire Services (TFS) will launch an Operations Firefighter Recruitment campaign on Monday. Those recruits will be the first to graduate from the Toronto Fire Academy with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) professional qualifications in both fire prevention and public education. They will also graduate with full Firefighter qualifications.

The introduction of NFPA fire prevention and public education professional qualifications in the Operations Division and the comprehensive TFS Operations-based Fire Code Inspection Program, are key components of the TFS Transformation Plan, introduced earlier this year. These initiatives, believed to be a first in Canada, leverage the expertise and capacity within the Operations Division and enhance Fire Protection service levels across the City.

"Toronto Fire Services is committed to ensuring the fire and life safety of all residents and businesses in Toronto," said Fire Chief Matthew Pegg. "The introduction of this revolutionary program is a made-in-Toronto solution that addresses the unique fire protection challenges that exist in Canada's largest city while avoiding significant costs that would otherwise be associated with delivering the same results under the traditional deployment model."

Information about the updated Operations Firefighter hiring process will be available on Monday.

Special Citizenship Ceremony to Be Held at Fort York National Historic Site as Part of Canada 150

Special citizenship ceremony to be heldat Fort York National Historic Site as part of Canada 150

Toronto, ON – On behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs) and MP (Spadina-Fort York) and the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC)will welcome 40 new citizens at a special citizenship ceremony at the Fort York National Historic Site. The day begins with roundtable discussions on what it means to be Canadian.

Check out Canada 150 online for events being held across the country to celebrate this landmark anniversary.

During the year-long celebration, Canadians across the country are encouraged to reaffirm their citizenship and share what citizenship means to them on social media using #MyCitizenship and #Canada150.

This evening at a ceremony at the Palais Royale, members of the design and development community came together to celebrate the 2017 Toronto Urban Design Awards winners.

The City of Toronto is committed to promoting design excellence, and hosts the Toronto Urban Design Awards every other year to acknowledge the significant contribution that architects, landscape architects, urban designers, artists, design students and city builders make to the look and livability of the city.

This year, there were an impressive 124 submissions in nine categories, containing a variety of built projects, visions and master plans, as well as student works. The jury selected a total of 21 projects for Awards of Excellence and Awards of Merit.

This competition offers the opportunity to receive city-wide recognition for outstanding design projects from an independent jury of urban visionaries, professionals and academics representing the local and international design communities.

A display of the winning entries will take place at the following locations: September 20 to 22, Toronto City HallSeptember 25 to 29, Scarborough Civic CentreOctober 2 to 6, North York Civic CentreOctober 10 to13, Etobicoke Civic Centre

For more information on the awards or to view the jury report, which includes photos and full project credits for each of the winning submissions, visit http://www.toronto.ca/tuda. On social media, use #TUDA.

This news release is also available on the City's website:http://ow.ly/y18030f8CMs.

This afternoon, Councillor Maria Augimeri (Ward 9 York Centre) and Toronto Paramedic Services Acting Chief Gord McEachen hosted a community open house and official opening of Toronto's first multi-function ambulance station.

This new station is designed to accommodate up to 25 ambulances and their respective paramedic crews as well as other support services. It is the largest ambulance station ever built in the City of Toronto.

"Congratulations to the men and women of the Toronto Paramedic Service for this new state of the art station," said Councillor Augimeri. "Many lives will be saved by the people who work here and also by the project team's conscientious approach to this station's design, which not only tends to the needs of today's citizens, but also future patients for decades to come."

"This multi-function station is the first such station to be completed as part of a long-term vision for Toronto Paramedic Services and it is designed to respond to the needs of our growing and aging population in a fiscally responsible manner," said Acting Chief McEachen. "The design allows for more efficient maintenance and stocking of multiple ambulances, a more cost-effective process as the demand for our services continues to grow."

The new station, located at 1300 Wilson Ave., will house ambulances, paramedics, equipment and supply technicians and the administrative and training offices of the North-West District Office of Toronto Paramedic Services. The station is under the command of Commander Janice Bain.

After the official remarks and ribbon cutting, guests toured the station and observed paramedics demonstrating advanced medical skills such as intubation and intravenous drug administration.

Paramedics will begin working out of the new station on October 11. Additional multi-function stations are being planned for the east and southern parts of the City.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/JWQB30f8bN4.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto is honouring Canada's 150th birthday with "TO Canada withLove," a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto.

Toronto residents to propose and vote on $750,000 in Local Community Improvement Projects as Part of City's Participatory Budgeting

September 13, 2017

Toronto residents to propose and vote on $750,000 in local community improvement projects as part of City's participatory budgeting

Toronto residents are invited to get involved in the City of Toronto's Participatory Budgeting pilot project by attending events in three areas: Ward 33 Don Valley East, the Oakridge neighbourhood in Ward 35 and the Rustic neighbourhood in Ward 12.

The City will be collecting ideas at public meetings and online until September 30. Meeting dates, times and locations for the three areas are available at http://www.toronto.ca/PBtoronto.

Each area has $250,000 of the City's capital budget to spend on community improvements this year. Residents are encouraged to share and develop ideas for community improvement projects. Everyone 14 years of age or older who lives in the pilot areas is eligible to vote for the winning projects. The City has committed to build each project within 18 months of the vote.

For consideration as part of the Participatory Budgeting pilot, project ideas must be located on City-owned property, benefit the public and have a long-term impact on the community.

In October, neighbours in each of the three designated areas will work together to shortlist projects for the final ballot. Voting will take place in December.

This is the last year of the three-year Participatory Budgeting pilot. To date, there have been 23 winning projects worth a total of $1.165 million, including park improvements, installation of bike lockers and neighbourhood beautification.

The City will assess the opportunities, benefits and challenges of participatory budgeting as a practice, reporting to Council in 2018 on the results and the pilot's evaluation.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/UH0q30f7Uxg

"I am very proud of this partnership between the City, the TDSB and the TCDSB," said Mayor Tory. "This is a wonderful example of how we are building healthy communities by working together. This co-operation is exactly how we build a stronger, fairer city."

Integrated with the neighbouring Canoe Landing Park, the new facility will include two elementary schools, a community centre and child care centre. Bishop Macdonell Catholic and Jean Lumb Public Schools will each serve 550 children from kindergarten to Grade 8. Canoe Landing Child Care Centre will serve a total of 54 children, from infants to preschoolers.

"This facility will become a destination for children, youth and seniors alike," said Councillor Pasternak. "For families to truly thrive, we need to ensure that they have access to child care, education and recreation opportunities."

Notable features of the facility include a green roof, shared gym, separate outdoor play areas for each age group and numerous energy efficiency elements within a modern, three-storey structure.

"I'm excited that families living in higher density communities such as this one will have access to these much-needed services," said Councillor Cressy. "Not only will this facility fit with the surrounding architecture but it will be seamlessly integrated with the very popular Canoe Landing Park to provide more public space for the community to enjoy."

“This multi-use facility is a result of a joint vision and hard work,” said TDSB Chair Pilkey. “It will support the needs of the local community while expanding learning, recreational and social opportunities for everyone living in the downtown area.”

“I am thrilled that schools, a community centre and child care are becoming a reality in this amazing, growing neighbourhood. This collaborative project sets an example for how together we enrich and meet the needs of a vibrant and high density community. The benefits will be felt now and for many generations to come,” said TDSB Trustee Malik.

The site, formerly known as Block 31, is located at the corner of Fort York Boulevardand Brunel Court in the CityPlace neighbourhood of Toronto. It sits adjacent to Canoe Landing Park, in the area referred to as the Railway Lands. In 1992, Canadian National Railways (CNR) transferred ownership of Block 31 to the City of Toronto. The City has since entered into an agreement with the TDSB and the TCDSB to develop the site. Development levies were used to fund the construction of this facility.

“We are pleased to see this long-awaited development project get underway,” said TCDSB Vice-Chair D'Amico. “Many young families already live, learn and play in the downtown area, and this type of community hub will provide some exciting new services for families.”

“This is an exciting day for all of us as we see the long-term vision for the families come to life,” said TCDSB Trustee Davis. “With continued input from the entire community, this project makes it easier for families to set down roots and be part of the new, vibrant downtown core.”

It is anticipated that the new facility will open in September 2019. Updates on this project are available at http://www.toronto.ca/canoelanding. Information about upcoming school programs is available at http://www.tdsb.on.ca and http://www.tcdsb.org.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/2wX6dVU

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. It serves approximately 246,000 students in 584 schools throughout Toronto and more than 160,000 life-long learners in Adult and Continuing Education programs. You can learn more about the TDSB at http://www.tdsb.on.ca/.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) educates more than 91,000 students from diverse cultures and language backgrounds in 195 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, serving close to half a million Catholic school supporters across the City of Toronto. As the world’s largest publicly funded Catholic school system, the TCDSB educates students in an inclusive learning community rooted in the love of Christ, where they are challenged to grow in grace and knowledge and to lead lives of faith, hope and charity. At Toronto Catholic we transform the world through witness, faith, innovation and action.

Toronto Public Health Is Pleased to Announce That the Winning 2016 CondomTO Contest Wrapper Designs Are Now Available in Locations Across the City

September 13, 2017

CondomTO contest's winning condom wrapper designs now available in locations across Toronto

Toronto Public Health is pleased to announce that the winning 2016 condomTOcontest wrapper designs are now available in locations across the city. Last September, the contest was launched to include Toronto residents in the creative design process and to raise awareness of safer sexual activity.

"This contest was an engaging way to get Toronto residents involved in the condom wrapper design process while also helping to promote safer sex and reduce the stigma around condom use," said Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health. "Please join me in congratulating the winners again for their contributions and creativity in celebrating sexual health as a part of good overall health."

The contest winners, announced last November, are:• Open Grand Prize: Diane Adams, a graduate of Seneca College's graphic design program• Open Runner-up: Serge Leshchuk, a local social media strategist and content creator• Student Grand Prize: Andrea Por, a recent graduate of Advertising and Graphic Design at Humber College• Student Runner-up: Janine Thomas, a recent graduate of the Bachelor of Design program at York/Sheridan

The condomTO campaign was supported by lead sponsor The&Partnership Canada. The agency also developed the creative strategy and contest design, and created a wrapper design for release. Other sponsors include ONE Condoms, which provided overall contest management and the related website, and Miami Ad School Toronto, which provided design workshops to Toronto youth.

Since 1983, Toronto Public Health has promoted and distributed condoms to community agencies and health organizations across the city as part of its sexual health promotion mandate. Condoms are one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

The winning condom designs and information about the winners is available at http://www.condomTO.ca. The new condoms are available at over 200 locations across the city including Toronto Public Health's sexual health clinics, youth-serving agencies, AIDS service organizations, community health centres, and colleges and universities. More information is available at http://bit.ly/2vYvAFq.

The&Partnership is a modern communications agency uniquely built to solve the concerns and frustrations of marketers. The multidisciplinary model operates under a single bottom line, which creates game-changing collaboration and creativity across disciplines, delivering the right answer for today’s client needs. The agency’s capabilities span disciplines including advertising, media, PR, CRM, data/analytics, digital, social, mobile, innovation, content and delivery/production. The&Partnership has 1,500 employees in 56 offices across 25 countries. More information is available at http://www.theandpartnership.com. Follow The&Partnership on Twitter at @and_partnership and on Instagram at @theandpartnership.

ONE is a socially responsible business committed to raising sexual health awareness. ONE works with artists, health activists and customers to make a difference in their community.

Founded in 1993, Miami Ad School has grown to a network of 16 advertising schools in 10 different countries. Through the school’s partnerships with dozens of agencies and companies, students have the opportunity to intern and get real-world experience while they are still in school.

This morning, Statistics Canada issued the latest release of the 2016 Census data on income. City staff are reviewing the data and will be available to respond to media inquiries about the latest census findings as of noon tomorrow, September 14.

A backgrounder that summarizes key findings and trends will be released shortly after and posted to the City's demographics webpage at http://www.toronto.ca/demographics.

The City of Toronto officially launched its new Civic Innovation Office today, led by Director Paula Kwan.

The Office was created in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and its Innovation Teams Program, which helps cities solve problems in new ways to deliver better results for residents.

The three-person Toronto Innovation Office will work with City divisions, residents and outside innovators to “Create a More Responsive Government,” a theme selected through an open call to City staff which identified:• a need to provide Toronto residents with better information about City services, programs and resources,• a need for City services to be delivered according to resident need, working across divisions, and• a need for the City to use data and public engagement to learn from and respond to complex and emerging issues.

"The people of Toronto want their City to be responsive to the very real needs, questions and challenges they face every day," said Mayor John Tory. "I look forward to the Civic Innovation Office working with Bloomberg Philanthropies to introduce new tools, technologies and approaches to benefit our city and its residents."

The Civic Innovation Office is fully funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies and reports to the City Manager Peter Wallace. As part of its mandate to develop new, innovative solutions, the Office will be using a new approach to procurement, a challenge-based “Invitation to Partner,” which invites outside partners to co-create solutions with a focus on resident experience and rapid prototyping.

The office’s first project and Invitation to partner can be found at https://www.civicinnovation.to/ along with more information about Kwan, who joins the City from her most recent role as head of global expansion at Toronto’s Pivotal Labs, and team members Jay Vidyarthi, a design strategist, and Todd Orvitz, who will be responsible for policy and operations.

"I am thrilled to be taking on this exciting challenge," said Kwan. "Having the opportunity to work with the dedicated staff of the city I love is very meaningful to me. I am confident that the work done by the Civic Innovation Office in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies will make a real difference in the lives of Toronto residents."

About Bloomberg Philanthropies Now working in 24 cities across four countries, the Innovation Teams Program helps cities solve problems in new ways to deliver better results for residents. Bloomberg Philanthropies awards cities multi-year grants to create in-house innovation teams, or “i-teams,” which offer cities a different set of tools and techniques to innovate more effectively and tackle critical challenges – from reducing violent crime to revitalizing neighbourhoods and strengthening the environment for small businesses.

More information about Bloomberg Philanthropies is available at http://bloombg.org/2pGGe2h.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/2eT0Hcx